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Reports
Abstract
This report is an overview of the program that was offered by the mortenson Center and it provides some understanding that the participant gained through tours, seminars or conferences and lectures. The duration of the program was eight (8) weeks. It provided the understanding of the current trends in library development and the challenges that are facing the libraries and librarians in the broader scope. The biggest challenge was on the information over load and the libraries to keep up with challenges that have been brought by dynamic revolution of an Information Communication Technologies (ICTs).
The libraries faces a big challenge that is the budget, which is most likely to be impacted by limitations of funding that leads to some of projects envisaged and planned up programs being procrastinated or terminated, we were armed by fundraising strategies that may lead to a greater success. Webpage design it was all about information basic skills management as it serve as a marketing tool and promote the business unit with the advancement of promotional materials and through websites development partnership is being created which helps on funding and some of materials required being gathered.
The program was successful and appreciated by all participants and considered as achieved its objectives and goals which were accumulated by individuals and in line with Mortenson Center detailed engagement objectives that characterized their working document or procedures.
Therefore, the report highlights some aspect of the programs that were very crucial and important, from the Mortenson Center Program, and the program schedule is attached (Appendix 1).
Mandla Ntombela, 6 December 2005
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Highlights
Meeting librarians from USA and around the world was probably the highlight of the trip. Speaking and listening to librarians from different countries, cultures, religions, ages and types of libraries allowed us to tell our stories and to learn from each other. There was the realisation that we are not so badly off in South Africa.
Library history seminar - I did not think I would enjoy this but it was very good. Listening to librarians from Croatia talking about how the kept the libraries open during the war and how people used them was inspiring. A talk by Archie Dick on libraries on the Cape Flats in the 1980's was fascinating and made me realise that we should be recording our library history and telling people about it.
K Laishley, December 2005
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Background
It was a privilege and honor to be part of this year's program at the Mortenson Center for international librarians.
The knowledge and experience is invaluable to any librarian. It also provides a wonderful platform to meet librarians from across the world, to think globally, exchange ideas and to see what can be done to improve our service to the public.
The program provides further education in library management, advocacy best practice and new technologies. The trips to local libraries from public, university or school sections, in and around the state also gives a person a broader view on what libraries do and can do, especially if you collaborate with other libraries.
Alecia Steenkamp, December 2005
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